One of the most ignored yet most powerful leadership traits is vulnerability. It is also the rarest of all the leadership traits that we all get to see. However, vulnerability when practiced with sincerity magnifies the power and influence of a leader beyond the imagination of logical mind. So, what is vulnerability? Vulnerability brings a perception of humility in a leader. Vulnerable leaders are seen as approachable and more importantly they do not block themselves from the outside world but because of their vulnerability people are always expressing their views and ideas to such leaders, whether good or bad, positive or negative. This ensures that these leaders are in a state of awareness in coming to decisions as every time they are taking everyone’s views in mind. And this awareness allows them to keep their minds open and also ensures that they keep their ears to the ground.

“Vulnerability is the core of shame and struggle, and fear, and our struggle for worthiness. But it appears that it is also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging and love.”

~ Dr. Brene Brown

Does this mean that lack of vulnerability will guarantee that you cannot become a powerful leader? Well of course no. There are few examples of leaders who were not vulnerable but they had their impact on this world. One good example is Steve Jobs. Hardly vulnerable but was able to produce an impact that very few can match in ages to come. Most of the dictators will also come under this category. They are scared to be seen as vulnerable. However, these leaders have never been loved by people. They cannot become people leaders. There is always a huge risk involved with never being vulnerable both to the people around you and to you.

Chances are that sometimes we can be wrong and if we are not listening to those around us, until we are perfect human beings, then we have stopped our own growth. Leadership is all about making the life of people good. These people could be the customers and clients we work for and also the people who we have at hand in our teams who work with us to deliver great product or service. Ideally to expect someone to do quality work without keeping them positively motivated is almost impossible.

What can I do to become a vulnerable leader?

First what-is-in-it for-you. This is what you can expect. Love and respect from people you work with or deal with. Every human being loves humility and when you show that you can be wrong and you accept it without bringing your big fat ego in between then you are in the right course.

Now, to answer the how-to-do-it part, it is very simple – every time you make a mistake, accept it and take the blame. If at times people are angry and throwing their emotions at you, you should discipline yourself to accept it humbly bowing down. If you are confused about what to do, instead of showing false confidence confide with your team and take their suggestions. It will mean that you will have to throw the mask on your face and be brave to show to the world the real you. You will be loved and respected for the character that you have and not for the slippery reputation that you showcase. This will also help you build strong and magical bond of trust and respect with people around you. You will make everyone so comfortable to that they will never like to leave your company. In the long run, your influence will reach beyond your imagination.

Is it easy to do exercise?

Initially it may not be, especially if you are not already used to acting vulnerable. However, the fruits of this are too sweet not to try being one. It will require first creating breakthrough by being vulnerable where it is relatively easier to be so and then slowly moving up, raising the stakes and making it a discipline to do so.

It will also help build a culture of honesty and trust within your teams.

Hope you like this

I would love you to suggest some examples of leaders (it could also be leaders at home – your mother, father, brother or managers or anyone you have known, heard or read about) who are vulnerable and you or people just love them.

If you are educating a child in a manner that before coming to any decision or judgment he shall ask his conscience the rightness of his choice and not his likeability or the popularity of the choice he is going to make and if the training imparted has made his conscience strong enough so that its voice shall be louder than that of crowds of men, no matter how big the crowd is, only then you have truly educated the child.

Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Chat With Your Trainer

Harsh Bhushan

Know Your Trainer

I train, coach and mentor clients with 5 – 15 years experience. I work with people on:

• Delivering Power Presentation

• Communication to Influence

• Producing Giant Results

• One-to-One Coaching (on request)

I have trained and coached people for past 8 years. After working for so long I have noticed how people fail to do justice to their skills, talents and desires and oftentimes instead choose to learn to live with their limitations that they accept as their identity because of their lack of awareness.

When people work hard for years to achieve their dreams only to discover that apart form their functional knowledge they will require behavioral skills and personal management to actually push forward their success story then they lose confidence and lose sight of their true desires.

I have developed special training programs custom designed for people including corporate employees and entrepreneurs with 5 – 15 year’s experience to vastly improve their personal effectiveness, boost their image, confidence and push their communication and influence to an absolute new level.